It is the second round of the playoffs. This might be the most improbable matchup of the weekend.


# 7 Slippery Rock (10-2, 7-0 PSAC West) @ # 6 New Haven (9-2, 8-1 NE-10)

When: November 24th, 1:00 PM

All-Time Series: New Haven leads the series, 3-2-0

Common Opponents: LIU Post and West Chester

@ LIU Post 17 New Haven 13
Slippery Rock 20 @ LIU Post 14

New Haven 35 @ West Chester 28
West Chester 33 @ Slippery Rock 10


Slippery Rock Playoff History

7th playoff appearance

6-6 overall record

2-0 against the NE-10


New Haven Playoff History

7th playoff appearance

9-6 overall record

6-2 against the PSAC


Slippery Rock Scouting Report:

Slippery Rock went on the road and defeated LIU Post 20-14. They scored on the opening play of the game and never looked back. The Rock completely shut down the Post offense and picked off two passes in the end zone. It was their first ever playoff road victory and they will look to keep the momentum going.

The offense is led by all-conference quarterback Roland Rivers III. He was a late addition to the roster and has excelled in the starting role. Rivers has thrown 22 touchdowns to just nine interceptions in the regular season. He will handle the ball off to Wes Hills who amassed over 1,000 yards this season. His receivers include Henry Litwin, Jermaine Wynn, Jr., Austin Scott and Mike Merhaut. Zach Cirillo is a threat from the tight end position. Chris Larsen, Ryan Podgorski, Austin Wayt, Colten Raabe ad Steve Gaviglia will protect Rivers and open holes for the backs.

The Rock defense is anchored by their linebacking core. Brad Zaffram, Tim Vernick and Trysten McDonald are the three leading tacklers and seem to be around the ball on every play. The front four of Chad Kuhn, Trey Blanford, Jeff Marx and Zach Bader can get to the quarterback with ease. Kyle Hall leads the secondary with five picks. Dalton Holt and Tyree Sprearman will also look to limit the vertical game of Post. Jake Chapia will handle the kicking duties and has missed only one point after this season.

New Haven Scouting Report:Slippery Rock Keys to the Game:

1. Limit Patterson and not let him beat you
2. Control the clock with the running game
3. Make big plays on the defensive side

New Haven Keys to the Game:

1. Pressure Rivers to make bad decisions
2. Score in the red zone
3. Play mistake free

So, who wins and why:

Both teams of these teams defeated league champions on the road last weekend. Both of these teams ruined previously undefeated teams solid seasons. Both of teams should not be playing in this game, but here we are and that is why playoff football is so exciting. One of these teams will be playing for a regional title next weekend.

This game will be hard fought and physical. It is the reason why they are playing this weekend. But home field will finally help a team this weekend. New Haven will have the luxury of sleeping in their own beds and not having to make the long trek like Slippery Rock does for the second straight weekend. Plus, Ajee Patterson will put the Chargers on his back and carry them once again.

Prediction: New Haven 27 Slippery Rock 17